Water Distribution Operations Lead

Union Affiliation: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Pay Grade 19: $39.15 - $43.67 Hourly

Remote Tier 1: Zero (0) days remote/month

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the daily and weekly workflow of the team in collaboration with the Water Resources Director of Engineering and Operations.
• Monitor and provide on-site feedback to employees on job duty proficiency, productivity, and compliance with AWWA, Departmental procedures, State regulations, and City safety requirements.
• Assist in identifying relevant training opportunities to enhance workgroup performance and fully realize staff potential.
• Orient new employees and ensure proper safety and proficiency training is completed before deployment.
• Review leave requests for alignment with resource needs and weekly payroll for completeness and accuracy prior to final approval by management.
• Schedule employees for on-call or scheduled call-ins as necessary.
• Coordinate distribution activities with the drinking water production team and customer service, including field investigations related to water supply anomalies.
• Ensure all work is completed accurately, in compliance with AWWA, departmental procedures, State regulations, and City safety requirements, and on time, including:
  • Compliance with AWWA C-651 disinfection requirements and State regulations, including coordinating bacteriological sampling requirements.
  • Digsafe, excavation permit, and DPW back-fill procedures.
• Confirm accuracy and completion of work orders and ensure appropriate documentation of all billable and non-billable work.
• Ensure distribution-related See Click Fix requests are completed by the due date.
• Ensure all activities are captured in the City’s asset management and GIS systems as appropriate.
• Participate in the development of monthly and annual work plans in conjunction with the Director of Engineering and Operations.
• Determine priority levels of work such as leak repair, main & service installation, annual hydrant flushing program, leak detection, valve exercising, and repair/replacement.
• Monitor the progress of day-to-day operations and long-term goals.
• Provide input to the capital improvements plan.
• Review construction documents to ensure compliance with City standards.
• Provide input into the resolution of distribution-related field challenges.
• Coordinate work scheduling with other City workgroups and stakeholders such as DPW technical services, Fire, Police, CCTA, etc.
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Coordinate the implementation of boil water notification procedures and protocols, as appropriate.
• Provide input into bid specifications for specialized equipment and purchases.
• Monitor and ensure the availability of materials, equipment, and tools for the workgroup.
• Facilitate daily safety meetings and ensure adherence to the City Safety Manual.
• Coordinate truck servicing with the Fleet Manager.
• Coordinate with the Right of Way Operations Lead to ensure snow plowing requirements are met.
• Perform all essential tasks of the Distribution Working Foreperson and Distribution Technician positions, as needed.
• Operate excavation equipment safely and oversee underground construction sites in compliance with all OSHA and City safety standards.
• Coordinate and provide technical oversight to the Working Foreperson(s) and Distribution Field Technicians in daily work assignments and projects, including:
  • Maintenance and repair of all aspects of the water system including water mains, water services, hydrants, and valves.
  • Related repairs such as maintenance and restoration of excavated areas like lawns, greenbelts, and paved surfaces.
  • Digsafe response as necessary.
• Prepare job parts lists and ensure parts availability with the Inventory Specialist.
• Pull excavation permits.
• Ensure customer estimate appointments are kept.
• Schedule external traffic control.
• Coordinate with Metering group, Street Maintenance, or external contractors as needed for additional resources.
• Ensure all activities are completed in accordance with AWWA standards and/or Division procedures, ordinances, or policies, including digsafe, traffic control, and excavation backfill standards.
• Oversee and coordinate the safe and timely completion of projects and restoration of water service.
• Complete required paperwork accurately, including production reports, crew schedules, service estimates, and computer-based asset tracking applications (valve inspections, water break reporting, etc.).
• Requisition materials required to complete projects in a manner consistent with Department policies, procedures, and City/State/AWWA standards.
• Review and coordinate the collection of asset information for various categories of infrastructure through the use of applicable technology.
• Comply with and promote adherence to all departmental safety policies, protocols, and procedures, and OSHA regulations.
• Oversee compliance with and track safety training of subordinates related to these requirements.
• Attend leadership, technical, or other professional training to support performance of duties as required by management.
• Complete training hours required to maintain Class D certification.
• Act as an "Ambassador" for the City and DPW by carrying out work and interacting with co-workers and the public in a respectful, professional manner.
• Represent Water Resources at community events to promote departmental initiatives and programs.
• Plow City streets and sidewalks with the Street Division in accordance with the provisions of the Union contract.
• Provide on-call coverage as assigned, including after-hours, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Five (5) years of experience in underground water infrastructure construction, maintenance, and repair with at least three (3) years in a leadership (supervisory, foreperson, or crew lead) role required. Additional experience in metering or plumbing is preferred.
• Possession of a Commercial Driver’s License B at the time of application, and must obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License Class A within one (1) year of date of hire required.
• Vermont State Operator Certification, Class D required or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of date of hire required.
• Completion of OSHA 30 preferred. Completion of OSHA 30 within one (1) year of date of hire required.
• Minimum 3 years of documented experience in heavy equipment operation including excavation, required. Experience with excavation in an urban environment preferred.
• Documented proficiency in safe and efficient operation of excavation equipment and adherence to proper underground construction and excavation procedures.
• Completion and ongoing maintenance of Flagger Certification.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the water distribution system, connections, including locating underground service lines, principles of water pressure, and hydraulic engineering.
• Documented proficiency in water main installation and repairs, water main valve installation and repairs, water service installation and repairs, and fire hydrant installation and repairs.
• Documented proficiency in AWWA C-651 (Disinfection Methods) and Vermont Boil Water Procedures.
• Ability to direct work activities of multiple work crews and lead by example.
• Ability to complete work projects in a safe and timely manner to avoid extensive disruption of service for water users.
• Ability to train, motivate, and provide on-site feedback to workgroup members.
• Ability to make independent decisions as appropriate as well as accurately identify when consultation of management is needed.
• Ability to select and assign staff to each task.
• Ability to determine and demonstrate appropriate methods, procedures, and techniques for tasks assigned.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and/or GIS maps to identify and locate water shutoffs and water lines.
• Knowledge of the internal works of plumbing, fixtures, and water meters within residential and commercial properties.
• Knowledge about and ability to operate power and hand tools related to water distribution.
• Ability to use computers, smartphones, iPads, email, and the internet effectively.
• Ability to use Asset Management software.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills required.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written required.
• Ability to safely operate dump truck, front-end loader, jackhammer, backhoe, and other related equipment.
• Ability to complete work projects in a timely manner to avoid extensive interruption of service for water users.
• Ability to operate wheeled and tracked snow plow equipment on City streets and sidewalks to plow, remove snow and ice, salt, and sand.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Physical ability to perform manual labor required for water distribution work.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and in moving traffic areas.
• Ability to work after-hours, nights, weekends, and on call as required.
• Ability to work effectively with field service members, leaders, other divisions, and the general public.
• Regular and timely attendance is necessary and essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
• Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules, and personnel policies and Chapter 31 of the City ordinance.
• Ability to create and maintain an environment that embraces the 6 operating principles: Customer Service, Fiscal Responsibility, Good Labor Relations, Employee Empowerment, Cooperation, and Constant Improvement.

Pay

$39.15 - $43.67 Hourly

Schedule

• Zero (0) days remote/month
• On-call coverage as assigned, including after-hours, nights, weekends, and holidays